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If you have picked up a financial paper or read the business section lately, you have probably read about the FED, Discount Rates, Overnight Rates, and Open Market Operations. So what are these things and how do the activities of the Fed affect you?
Formally known as the Federal Reserve, the Fed is the gatekeeper of the U.S. economy. The Fed regulates financial institutions, manages the nation's money and influences the economy. By raising and lowering interest rates, creating money and using -other methods, the Fed can either stimulate or slow down the economy.
The Fed uses three tools:
- The reserve requirement
- The discount rate
- Open market operations
The reserve requirement is the balance that banks must maintain to ensure they have available money for their customers. It is typically a percentage of their total interest-bearing and non-interest-bearing checking account... MORE
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| CLICK HERE to get your free copy of our retirement booklet, “Imagine what you can achieve. The Essential Guidebook on Strategies for Your Life, Your Finances, and Your Future.” In this booklet, you’ll learn more about retirement strategies and options for your future. |
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Financial Planning:
Financial Education
In the January 25, 2010 issue of Time magazine, there was a short article detailing high school students’ falling financial literacy scores and the actions that some school districts have taken... MORE |
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Tax Planning:
RMDs Are Back
In 2009, Required Minimum Distributions for IRAs and other qualified plans for those who are age 70½ or older or have inherited retirement accounts, were suspended... MORE |
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Insurance Insights:
Roth Conversions – One More Consideration
While still young, 2010 has been dominated by conversations about Roth conversions. The combination of an indefinite repeal of rules that previously disallowed certain people from... MORE |
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Investment Management Updates:
Fixed-Income Considerations
Spring is here – a great time to put your “financial house” on your spring cleaning to-do list. As you may have heard, the Federal Reserve System is doing its own spring cleaning this... MORE
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Thoughts from Bruce Helmer:
The Value of Money
As a parent, you probably want your children to have a better life than you had growing up. It is a universal wish, and it is admirable. If you are able to fulfill that wish, however, how do you... MORE |
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Sudoku Puzzle:
When you play sudoku you qualify to win a FREE $25 Gift Card for any participating Target. This month's puzzle... MORE |
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Upcoming Events:
As most of you know, one of our main goals is to educate our clients and our community. We look forward to seeing you at an upcoming seminar... MORE |
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Minnesota: Blaine, Brainerd, Burnsville, Chaska, Edina, Mankato,
Oakdale, Plymouth, Rochester, St. Cloud, and Vadnais Heights
Iowa: West Des Moines |
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